Unoccupied Commercial Property Insurance
What Is Unoccupied Commercial Property Insurance?
Unoccupied commercial property insurance is specialist cover for commercial buildings that are vacant for an extended period — typically 30, 45, or 60 days or more, depending on the insurer. Standard commercial property policies usually restrict or exclude cover once a building becomes unoccupied, so a dedicated policy is needed to keep the building financially protected while it sits empty.
Cover is available for a wide range of situations: premises between tenants, buildings for sale, properties in probate, sites undergoing refurbishment, and commercial portfolios with periodic voids. UK Sure arranges policies for sums insured up to £10 million, with terms of 3, 6, or 12 months. You can choose between basic cover (fire, lightning, explosion, aircraft) or extended cover (adding storm, flood, theft, escape of water, malicious damage, and more). Employers' Liability, Terrorism, and Legal Expenses can be added where required.
As an FCA-regulated broker, UK Sure works with specialist and niche insurers who understand empty commercial buildings. Speak to our commercial property team on 01323 416706 — we'll help you pick the right level of cover and negotiate terms that fit the property and the reason it's unoccupied.
Why Our Unoccupied Commercial Property Insurance
What's NOT Covered
Key Features of Our Unoccupied Commercial Property Insurance
Vacant commercial buildings face risks most people underestimate: escape of water, malicious damage, arson, squatting, and theft of fixtures. A dedicated unoccupied policy keeps cover in force while the property waits for its next tenant, buyer, or refurbishment.
Up To £10m Sum Insured
Single units through to large portfolios — one policy can cover an entire vacant commercial building at full reinstatement value.
Flexible 3, 6, Or 12 Month Terms
Match the policy to the expected void. Short terms for quick sales or tenant changes; longer terms for refurbishments or probate.
We work with hard-to-reach, niche, and major insurers to find the right terms for your property. UK Sure is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.
Frequently asked questions
1. When does a commercial property count as unoccupied?
Different insurers use different thresholds, but most consider a commercial property unoccupied after 30, 45, or 60 consecutive days with no tenant or business activity. Once that period passes, standard cover is usually restricted — which is when a dedicated unoccupied policy is needed.
2. Who needs unoccupied commercial property insurance?
Commercial landlords between tenants, executors of estates going through probate, owners selling a building, developers refurbishing premises, and businesses with seasonal voids. If a building is empty for more than a month, you almost certainly need a specialist policy.
3. What information do you need for a quote?
In addition to the usual property details (age, construction, location, use), insurers will want to know: why the property is unoccupied, how long it will stay empty, whether there's an alarm or security, whether utilities are switched off at the mains, how often you'll inspect the property, and whether you're removing post and rubbish regularly.
4. Do I have to visit the property while it's unoccupied?
Most insurers require minimum inspection intervals — typically every 7 or 14 days — with a written log. Regular inspections spot water leaks, break-ins, and rubbish build-up early. Failing to meet inspection requirements can invalidate a claim, so ask us to walk you through the exact terms of any policy you take out.
5. How long can a property stay on an unoccupied policy?
UK Sure arranges policies in 3, 6, and 12-month terms and can cover properties that have been unoccupied for up to 5 years. Longer voids may need stricter security, alarm, or inspection requirements — we'll negotiate terms with specialist insurers on your behalf.
6. How much does unoccupied commercial property insurance cost?
Premiums vary a lot depending on the property's value, location, construction, how long it will be empty, the reason for the void, on-site security (alarms, CCTV), and claims history. Call our commercial team on 01323 416706 for a tailored quote.